Food Hygiene Rating

The Food Hygiene Rating System provides information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, hotels, and many other places.

Each business will be given a hygiene rating when it is inspected.

How does it work?

We carry out routine inspections and checks will be made on:

  • How hygienically the food is handled – how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored
  • The condition of the structure of the buildings – the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities
  • How the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe

At the end of the inspection, the business is given one of the six ratings:

  • 5 = very good
  • 4 = good
  • 3 = generally satisfactory
  • 2 = improvement necessary
  • 1 = major improvement necessary
  • 0 = urgent improvement necessary

Results

Businesses are encouraged to display a sticker in the window, on the door or a certificate, showing the hygiene rating.

New food businesses will be displayed as ‘awaiting inspection’ until such time that they receive a food hygiene inspection and their rating is given.

If you are unhappy with your hygiene rating, you can appeal. Find out more on our Food Safety Inspections webpage.

Eat Out Eat Well

Eat Out Eat Well rewards restaurants, takeaways and other food businesses that make it easier for customers to make healthy choices.